progress of sorts

The painting is coming together, but not at the level of expert finishing that I would like. I have had to admit that, at least for now, I simply don't have time to take this up to the next level, where I would like it to be. I'd love to turn it into something really special, but I think it must remain at impressionist level (in typical NZ style, not elevated to classical Italian standards - sad face). Time, for now, as my Nan would say, is the enemy.

So here is today's progress. I didn't work on it yesterday, the morning was taken up with a service which I may blog about later.

I have added more people in and tidied up the railings a little. Still not detailed or finished. This section of the painting predicts a less lonely and abandoned future for what was, let me remind you, the first triumphal arch ever built by the Romans, supposedly dedicated to Marc Antonio, (Mark Anthony) and built 30 - 40 BC. 

Whoever gave permission, over 100 years ago, for a paper making factory to be built there, and gave it licence to use the water, to dam and control the flow - while burying most of the arch - consigning this once magnificent survivor of history to the gated back yard of industry, has a lot to answer for! 

This may be the last photo for a while, I can't find my camera battery charger anywhere. Really hoping it didn't accidentally leave with one of the many guests this last little while! Battery charger, please appear from wherever you are hiding! 

Today I am grateful for brilliant blue skies. 

now to talk to the structure

Quick post so I can compare the water in two versions. I have also thrown a bit of paint at the arch structure, much work to do there still. Ignore the fact that it may appear to have gone backwards. It's a transitional stage!

Above is today's daubing, below how it was yesterday. Undecided on the water. Maybe I prefer yesterday's right hand side, it's looking a bit cluttered today. I'm looking forward to working on the arch tomorrow. 

Today I am grateful for happy students.

wet paint and eaten alive

The tiniest mozzies that I can't see are eating me alive upstairs. I had to beat a retreat and spray, because I can't work with the doors closed (we complain about the temperature dropping, but it is still about 28°C up there!) and I am using turps so the fumes are unhealthy (not drinking it today, and my throat is much better). In case you are a painter, remember that inhaling turpentine fumes can contribute to depression.

So here is some wet paint; you will see that I am playing with the placement of several figures to bring a brighter future for "my" ancient arch. After that, and once I am happy with the water, I will give the arch itself some more attention and detail.

Yesterday a walk with an archeologist (the event I had to miss) brought a group of around fifty to the arch, so good to see. We are making progress with the awareness campaign. Time for my painting to be finished and delivered, (who knows where to, the town hall, perhaps?) and then on with the next project. This one has gathered momentum and will not be allowed to fade into a distant memory or list of "it would have been nice if..." events.

Today I am grateful for beautiful weather. 

changing hats again

Time to get back to this one. It's back into oils I go. Posting here to make myself accountable. It's too easy to be distracted!

*****

Update, 5.30pm lost the light.
That's it for a while until I can paint with artificial light later.
Or not.

Somehow I managed to spill turps into my peppermint tea,. Bleeerrrk! 

Today I am grateful for soap and toothpaste. 

oops, i didn't wait...

(I have just noticed that when I posted the same photo on my artist page on FB the image is more accurate - or in tune with my eye - on FaceBook. How can that be? On the blog I get a much more raw image, as though the camera sees more depth than intended). 

I decided that student will be much better off with a series of photos that she can refer to... my excuse to carry on! The top one is a more accurate photograph of colour, at least on my computer monitor. The bottom one is how it is now. 

Teaching point between these and the last post is tonal value, and I printed these out in greyscale to illustrate the point. Using grey scale is a powerful way of seeing where you can make changes. 

Now to finish the arch painting. I opted out of a history walk around Aquino this morning, my head is too full to be able to sort out too much rapid Italian today. I think that makes it appropriate that I finish the arch painting - after more coffee! 

Serenity rules, it is Sunday after all. 

Today I am grateful for birdsong.

quasi

I'm getting ahead of my student too much so have to stop now. I couldn't resist doing a bit more. But it wont change much more, just a few edges to soften, a few to strengthen, some depths to alter and details to touch up. 

And tonight when I went out to photograph the watercolour sketch in the fading light I was rewarded with a lovely sunset I would otherwise have missed. 

Today I am grateful for interesting people. 

demonstration in progress

Loving finding my way back into painting mode with this gentle demonstration for the loveliest student I could ever wish for. You will have to wait for the next lesson to see the finished picture.

Added later: 

getting there slowly, lots of teaching points in the next stage (below)

Colour variations are because I took these in various lights and stages of "wet". It is more delicate than it appears here. Watercolour always dries paler than it comes from the tube or when saturated. (Acrylic dries darker, and oil holds its colour pretty much the same, but can be made to "sing" by adding a glaze). This is 300gsm paper, hot press but not smooth, and using one brush, my favourite size 14 Robert Simmons.

Today I am grateful for paper and paint and my magic brush